Big game – The first meeting ever between Kings Mountain and Draughn tonight at Valdese is crucial for both.

The host Panthers are 1-3 in the South Mountain Athletic Conference while Kings Mountain is winless in three league bouts. It’s a ‘must win’ as they each try to turn things around in conference play, especially with the ‘four-win threshold’ most coaches believe exists to have a chance for an at-large playoff bid.

Both squads are coming off rough outings – Draughn lost a fierce 13-7 battle with Chase while the Mountaineers saw things fall apart early in a 49-0 loss to rival Shelby.

League unbeatens – Burns and East Rutherford are longtime opponents who enter tonight with unblemished conference marks.

Burns is unbeaten overall on the year while East’s three non-league defeats came against strong opposition – Erwin, North Gaston and Tuscola, with the last two of those one-point decisions.

Consistency on both sides of the line of scrimmage could be an advantage on the Bulldogs’ side. While both have put up impressive offensive totals, the Cavalier defense is yet to hold an opponent below 20 points.

On a roll – During Shelby’s three-game winning streak against SMAC foes, the Golden Lions have shown the ability to strike fast and early.

Against R-S Central, the Lions went up 21-0 after one quarter, led 19-0 in the first period versus Chase, then were ahead 14-0 after one period last week against rival KingsMountain.

For East Burke (1-4) to have a chance to make it a game, the Cavaliers must not only put the clamps on Shelby’s big-play attack, but work the clock on the offensive side as well.

Picking up steam – Crest has won four straight since an opening loss to South Point and the Chargers have done so despite holding only one of those foes below the 20-point mark.

Crest has been out-scoring teams with a solid running game and special teams play. Last week the Chargers showed evidence of a passing game to add much-needed balance.

The Chargers will need that against a Chase defense that has fared much better against ground-oriented offenses than those who put the ball in the air.

In the series – Crest and Chase are meeting for the first time since 1987. The Chargers have a 10-7 edge in the series after Chase owned a 7-3 advantage at one point.

Shelby and East Burke, just like Kings Mountain-Draughn, are tangling on the football field for the first time ever.

Burns and East Rutherford, in the same conferences for most of their dual existences, have played every year since 1968. The Bulldogs have won the last four, including a wild 33-28 triumph at Forest City last year.

If you’re going…

Kings Mountain at Draughn – Take I-85 east from Kings Mountain to exit 17 for U.S. 321 (at Gastonia) and head north for about 32 miles to Hickory area. Take exit 43A-43B for I-40 towards Statesville/Asheville, then veer onto exit 43B on the left for I-40 West toward Asheville. Stay on 40 until Exit 113 toward Connelly Springs. Merge onto Malcolm Blvd., then go almost two miles and turn left onto Lovelady Road. Go 0.8 miles and turn right on Kathy Drive. School is just ahead.